SUGGESTIONS FOR TREE STUDY 165 



Compare other nut trees with the oak. How many 

 different kinds can you find ? How are the different nuts 

 protected in walnut, hickory, and beech ? When do these 

 trees drop their nuts ? 



Compare trees that are growing close together with 

 others of the same kind that are standing at some distance 

 from other large trees. Why are the former more one- 

 sided than the latter? 



When the leaves of the tree begin to change color have 

 the children note the different colors. Does each kind of 

 tree have a special autumn color? Which ones are the 

 brightest? Why do the leaves change color? The 

 children will probably say, as they have heard others say, 

 that this is due to frost. But they should know that the 

 real reason is that the leaves have completed their work, 

 and that the green color fades or is replaced by the bril- 

 liant hues because the leaves are growing old and getting 

 ready to drop off. 



When do the leaves begin to fall? Do some trees 

 finish their work and drop their leaves sooner than others ? 

 Do any of the trees retain their leaves after they are dry 

 and withered ? Does any of the fruit hang on over winter ? 



At least once during the winter have the children note 

 the appearance of the special tree or trees studied in the 

 fall. Note the shape of the branches. Are the twigs 

 drooping or standing upright? Does this tree show any 

 tints of color now that could not be seen when the leaves 

 were on ? Can you see the buds on the twigs ? 



In the spring continue the study. What do the side 

 buds make ? The end buds ? To answer this, watch the 

 development of the buds outside, or place twigs in glasses 



